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Happy Holidays
Creative Christmas Cocktails by Chris LeBlanc
AT A LOSS FOR CREATIVE COCKTAIL IDEAS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON? TO HELP GET YOU ON THE FAST TRACK TO ROSY CHEEKS AND VISIONS OF DANCING SUGARPLUMS, A FORMER BARTENDER PRESENTS TO YOU, THE 12 DRINKS OF CHRISTMAS.
cajun eggnog
candy cane
A regional twist on an old favorite, this rich mixture is a perfect desert drink for your holiday party. - 1 scoop French vanilla ice cream - 6 oz. eggnog - 2 oz. bourbon - 2 oz. brandy Blend until smooth and garnish with cinnamon stick.
As the name suggests, this minty drink tastes like liquid Christmas candy. - 3/4 oz. berry vodka - 3/4 oz. peppermint schnapps - 3/4 oz. crème de cacao - 1/4 oz. grenadine - 1 oz. half-and-half - 1 oz. soda Stir and serve over ice, garnish with actual candy cane.
santa’s hammer
“HO HO … whoah …” This little concoction is silky, smooth and sweet. But be careful, it’s called “hammer” for a reason. - 2 oz. crème de cacao - 1 oz. triple sec - 4 oz. eggnog Shake and serve over ice.
holiday toddy A traditional home remedy for cold and flu symptoms, the “toddy” is, for many, a comforting favorite of yesteryear. A fragrant mixture of old and new, this cocktail will keep you toasty this holiday season. - 2 oz. bourbon - 1 tbsp. honey - 1 lemon wedge (squeezed) - 1 cup hot apple cider Stir contents and serve hot, garnish with cinnamon stick.
St. Nick Nog A family recipe that dates back hundreds of … days. St. Nick Nog tastes like a coke float mixed by Christmas angels. - 8 oz. eggnog (flavored is fine) - 2 oz. whipped cream flavored vodka - 1 oz. (a splash) of cola Stir and serve over ice.
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christmas cookie This sneaky little concoction is sweet, but packs a powerful punch. Don’t overindulge if you wish to enjoy the next six days of Christmas. - 1 oz. peppermint schnapps - 1 oz. coffee liqueur - 1 oz. Irish cream liqueur Shake.
gingerbread martini Picture this: A liquid gingerbread man dancing across your tongue. Unbeknownst to you, you just imagined the “Gingerbread Martini.” This sublimely sweet and spicy cocktail will certainly get you into the spirit. - 2 oz. ginger liqueur - 2 oz. vanilla citrus liqueur - 2 oz. whipping cream - 1/2 oz. honey - crushed ginger snaps Shake. Serve chilled, garnish with cinnamon.
the poinsettia This fresh, light champagne cocktail would be as at home by a beach as it would at your holiday party. - 3 oz. cranberry juice - 1/2 oz. triple sec - fill with champagne Stir and garnish with slice of orange
the grinch The Grinch – or as I like to call him, “the Hero of Whoville” – is perhaps the most misunderstood of all the Christmas figures. To honor his literal change of heart, he’s got a tangy, sweet and appropriately green drink named after him. - 2 oz. Midori Melon liqueur - 1/2 oz. lime juice - 1 tsp. simple syrup - fill with sprite Stir. Serve over ice, garnish with cherry.
white christmas This is what Bing Crosby was singing about. That is all. - 4 oz. eggnog - 1/2 oz. chocolate liqueur - 1 oz. bourbon Shake and serve over ice. Garnish with chocolate flakes. continued on p24
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
December 2013